Creating New Tooth Roots Through Osseointegration

April 11, 2014

The human body possesses such an amazing ability to heal itself that it can naturally force blood to clot instantaneously and wounds to heal over time, replace dead cells with new ones and fight infections, inflammation and diseases. It is remarkable how even after we lose our permanent teeth, we can still get replacement teeth that look and feel like the real thing. And though we cannot grow those teeth back unlike how some insects grow back lost appendages, our bone cells can attach themselves to titanium dental implants to essentially give us back the tooth roots we’ve lost when we have missing teeth in a process referred to as osseointegration.

Just as natural teeth have the visible crown and a root that extends down into the jawbone, a dental implant also has an overlying crown attached to the abutment which is then connected to the titanium post which acts as the tooth root as it gets inserted beneath the gums and into the bone. Had the body not had the ability to osseointegrate, the biocompatible implant will not be able to fuse directly with the bone and won’t have the strength and stability to hold the implant device in place. Without osseointegration, neither single tooth dental implants nor a full arch of implant-retained dentures would work.

But because of the surrounding bone and gum tissues’ amazing ability to heal, in only after four to six months, the implant would by this time be integrated with the bone and the abutment can be inserted next. After just a couple of weeks more of healing, the implant procedure can be completed with the overlying crown. Again, because of its remarkable ability to heal itself, any post-treatment bleeding, bruising, swelling or pain can be handled and overcome by the body in no time at all.

To help your body heal well and fast, make sure you get safe, expert implant treatment from the likes of Indiana top cosmetic dentist Dr. David A. Smith of Really Smile Dentistry. Call 317-451-4050 to schedule an initial consultation.

Meet the Doctor

“I chose dentistry as my life’s work because I have the privilege to serve people in a way that is truly life-changing. I was honored with the appointment by Indianapolis Woman Magazine as Makeover Dentist 2008."